Applied DNA Sciences Unveils Turnkey Authentication Program

STONY BROOK, NY--(Marketwired - Dec 5, 2013) - Applied DNA Sciences, Inc. (OTCQB: APDN), (Twitter: @APDN), a provider of DNA-based anti-counterfeiting technology and product authentication solutions, announced today the launch of a new turnkey program for electronics, military, commercial, and aerospace contractors called the Counterfeit Prevention Authentication Program or "CPA" Program. The program empowers end-users to verify the originality or provenance of parts which have been marked by their suppliers with APDN's SigNature® DNA.

The ability to verify originality or provenance of parts comes at a critical time for defense contractors. As counterfeit parts continue to infiltrate the military supply chain, the Government is preparing new regulations requiring strict new anti-counterfeiting systems for their suppliers, attracting much attention in the industry. Company officials say that they believe the CPA program will be in line with the new regulations.

The continuing spike in counterfeits is equally impacting commercial products.

The utilization of the company's technology has now reached the point where end-users in electronics -- such as prime defense contractors and commercial manufacturers -- are able to authenticate the SigNature DNA mark on incoming items even if those end-users did not themselves initiate the marking.

In this context, the CPA Program provides an accessible and immediate action for companies whose suppliers are currently marking with SigNature DNA. Dozens of companies are already using the platform and over 500,000 electronic parts have already been marked. These SigNature DNA-marked parts are now circulating in the electronics supply chain, providing end-users with unprecedented ability to identify parts or gain valuable traceability data.

This population has been growing rapidly due to the requirement by the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) for use of the platform by certain suppliers. Twenty-six companies are currently licensed to mark parts with APDN's SigNature DNA, including two primes, six component manufacturers, and both authorized and independent distributors. Janice Meraglia, APDN Vice President for Military and Government Programs, commented:

"The CPA Program is the natural evolution of the SigNature DNA marking effort, allowing downstream supply chain recipients to forensically authenticate DNA-marked products. It is a low-cost entry point for contractors to begin using a preventative anti-counterfeit technology. The aim of the aggressively priced packages is to encourage commercial OEMs and contract manufacturers in all industries to participate in forensically securing their supply chains."

Dr. James A. Hayward, President and CEO of Applied DNA Sciences, stated,

"The CPA program is an example of successful execution of our business plan: moving from intensive marking of items with SigNature DNA, to the ability of end-users like OEMs to forensically authenticate originality or provenance. It is at this stage where we deliver unique and great value to our customers, adding an unmatched level of quality and excellence."

For more information on the CPA Program including quote requests, contact Applied DNA Sciences or an APDN certified Third Party Marker: SMT Corp. or Premier Semiconductor.

APDN is a provider of botanical-DNA based security and authentication solutions that can help protect products, brands and intellectual property of companies, governments and consumers from theft, counterfeiting, fraud and diversion. SigNature® DNA and smartDNA, our principal anti-counterfeiting and product authentication solutions that essentially cannot be copied, provide a forensic chain of evidence and can be used to prosecute perpetrators.

The statements made by APDN may be forward-looking in nature. Forward-looking statements describe APDN's future plans, projections, strategies and expectations, and are based on assumptions and involve a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of APDN. Actual results could differ materially from those projected due to our short operating history, limited financial resources, limited market acceptance, market competition and various other factors detailed from time to time in APDN's SEC reports and filings, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed on December 20, 2012 and our subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. APDN undertakes no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect new information, events or circumstances after the date hereof to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.